If you’re on the lookout for a snack that is both delicious and guilt-free, you’re going to adore this Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect blend of naturally sweet bananas and hearty oats, delivering a comforting texture and flavor that feels indulgent yet supports your wellness goals. Each bite offers a satisfying chew, subtle warmth from cinnamon, and optional bursts of chocolate or nuts that make these cookies an absolute joy to munch on any time of the day. Whether you are managing your weight or just craving a wholesome treat, these cookies will quickly become your go-to smart snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a few simple ingredients, this recipe shows that you don’t need a long list of extras to create something truly tasty and nourishing. Each component has a special role, bringing natural sweetness, moisture, spice, or crunch to these wonderful cookies.
- Bananas (2 large, ripe, mashed): The star of the show, bananas add natural sweetness and moisture so no added sugar is needed.
- Rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): The hearty base that brings fiber and a lovely chew to the cookies.
- Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup): A fat-free binder that keeps everything together while adding subtle sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and adds a fragrant note.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Provides warmth and a comforting hint of spice.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the flavors perfectly and brings out sweetness.
- Mini dark chocolate chips (1/4 cup, optional): A wonderful little treat for chocolate lovers, adding richness without overwhelming the cookies.
- Chopped walnuts or almonds (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and healthy fats, bringing texture and nutrition.
How to Make Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are mostly smooth but still slightly chunky for texture. This will serve as the natural sweet, moist foundation of your cookies.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Add in the rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until the mixture is fully combined and you have a thick, sticky dough.
Step 4: Add Optional Extras
If you’re feeling a little indulgent or want to add more texture, fold in the mini dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts now. They bring extra flavor and crunch without compromising the healthy nature of the cookies.
Step 5: Scoop and Flatten
Use a spoon to scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each mound with the back of your spoon to help them bake evenly and get that perfect cookie shape.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until they feel set and have a light golden color on the bottom. This gentle baking ensures they hold together well without drying out.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This makes sure they firm up nicely without breaking apart.
How to Serve Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for added aroma or a light drizzle of pure honey for a touch of extra sweetness. You can also add a few fresh fruit slices on the side to complement the flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea, a glass of almond milk, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to create a balanced and satisfying snack or light breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Make a fun snack platter by arranging the cookies alongside nuts, dried fruits, and slices of fresh banana or apple. For a decadent treat, sandwich a little peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese between two cookies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe fresh by storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to five days, perfect for quick grabs during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They freeze beautifully for up to two months.
Reheating
To bring back the freshly baked warmth, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a toaster oven. This will revive their softness and flavor without drying them out.
FAQs
Are these cookies suitable for weight loss?
Absolutely! This Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe uses natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients that provide fiber and protein while being low in fat and calories, making it a smart snack choice.
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips and nuts?
Yes, feel free to get creative with raisins, dried cranberries, seeds, or even shredded coconut to adapt the cookies to your taste preferences.
Do I need to use ripe bananas?
Yes, ripe bananas are essential because they provide the natural sweetness and softness needed to bind the cookie dough properly without added sugar or fat.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses no eggs or dairy, so it’s perfect for those following a plant-based lifestyle.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
You’ll get approximately 12 satisfying cookies, making it just the right amount for sharing or enjoying throughout your week.
Final Thoughts
If you want a treat that feels like a little comfort hug but supports your health goals, you simply have to try the Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe. They’re easy to make, packed with natural goodness, and endlessly versatile. Once you’ve made them, these cookies will quickly become a staple snack you’ll love reaching for time and again.
Print
Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana and Oatmeal Weight Loss Cookies are a wholesome, naturally sweetened snack perfect for a healthy lifestyle. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and optional dark chocolate chips and nuts, they are easy to prepare and ideal for a nutritious treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth, creating the base for your cookie dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt into the mashed bananas until fully combined, forming a sticky batter.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in the mini dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts gently into the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Form Cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each scoop with the back of a spoon to shape your cookies.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cookies are set and have a light golden color on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally sweetened by bananas, making them a healthy, simple snack option.
- For variation, add raisins or dried cranberries in place of nuts or chocolate chips.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
